People

Leigh Hobbs

Leigh Hobbs is the Australian Children’s Laureate (2016–2017). He is best known for his children's books featuring his characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona the Pig and Mr Chicken, as well as the Freaks and their teachers in4F for FreaksandFreaks Ahoy.Old Tomhas been adapted into an extremely popular TV series. Leigh has been shortlisted for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award three times (forMr Chicken Goes to Paris, Horrible HarrietandOld Tom's Holiday) and his books have won every major children’s choice award in Australia. Leigh’s books are published by Allen & Unwin.

Leigh was born in Melbourne, grew up in Bairnsdale and has lived and worked in Sydney, Sale and London. He is an artist who works across a wide range of mediums, as well as writing and illustrating his children's books. Many of his cartoons have appeared in the Age.